Are you trying to decide which iPhone will keep up with your busy day? With Apple’s latest releases, it’s easy to assume that newer models boast the best battery life. But is that really the case? We’ve tested every iPhone Apple currently sells, plus a few more, to find out which model offers the longest-lasting battery in real-world usage.
Key Takeaways
- Best Battery Life: Surprisingly, the iPhone 15 Plus tops the list.
- Top Performer: The iPhone 15 Pro Max, despite its high specs, doesn’t lead the pack.
- Unexpected Results: Older models like the iPhone 13 and 14 are holding their own.
The Test
We conducted a thorough battery test to see how different iPhone models perform under continuous use. Here’s a snapshot of what we discovered:
Testing Methodology
- Devices: We used all current iPhone models, including the latest iPhone 15 series, as well as older models like the iPhone 11 and 12.
- Conditions: All phones were connected to the same Wi-Fi network, had Bluetooth and location services enabled, and their brightness was set to the same level.
- Activities: We engaged in a mix of YouTube streaming, gaming, and heavy app usage to simulate typical daily use.
Battery Life Results
Here’s how the iPhones stacked up in terms of battery life:
| iPhone Model | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| iPhone 15 Plus | 9 hours, 10 minutes |
| iPhone 15 Pro Max | 8 hours, 50 minutes |
| iPhone 14 Plus | 8 hours, 10 minutes |
| iPhone 15 | 7 hours, 27 minutes |
| iPhone 14 Pro Max | 7 hours, 32 minutes |
| iPhone 13 | 7 hours, 20 minutes |
| iPhone 14 | 7 hours, 20 minutes |
| iPhone 15 Pro | 6 hours, 50 minutes |
| iPhone 12 | 6 hours, 14 minutes |
| iPhone 11 | 4 hours, 59 minutes |
| iPhone SE (2022) | 4 hours, 27 minutes |
Surprising Findings
1. iPhone 15 Plus: The New Battery Champion
The iPhone 15 Plus stands out with the best battery life among all tested models. With 9 hours and 10 minutes of usage, it’s clear that Apple’s larger battery and efficient design in this model pay off. If battery longevity is your primary concern, this is the iPhone to consider.
2. iPhone 15 Pro Max: High Specs, Average Battery
Even though the iPhone 15 Pro Max is packed with cutting-edge features and is Apple’s flagship model, it only manages second place in battery life. It lasts for 8 hours and 50 minutes, which is impressive but falls short compared to the 15 Plus. This result highlights that having the latest technology doesn’t always translate to the longest battery life.
3. Older Models Still Holding Strong
The iPhone 13 and 14 performed better than expected, outlasting the iPhone 14 Pro Max and the iPhone 15 Pro. The iPhone 13 and 14 each lasted around 7 hours and 20 minutes, showing that last year’s models can still offer solid performance.
4. The iPhone SE and iPhone 11: Low Battery Life
If you’re using or considering buying an iPhone SE or iPhone 11, be prepared for significantly shorter battery life. The iPhone SE lasted only 4 hours and 27 minutes, while the iPhone 11 barely made it past 5 hours. These models, while affordable, may not keep up with demanding usage.
What to Consider When Choosing an iPhone
Battery Health and Age
Older phones naturally have reduced battery life due to wear and tear. If you’re buying a used or older model, its battery health will affect performance. Always consider a phone’s battery health if you’re looking at older iPhones.
Display and Usage
Larger screens and higher refresh rates consume more power. The iPhone 15 Pro models, for instance, have ProMotion displays with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, which can drain the battery faster compared to the fixed 60Hz displays on non-Pro models.
Performance vs. Battery Life
More powerful processors and advanced features don’t always guarantee better battery life. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s A17 Pro chip is designed for high performance, but that doesn’t always mean it will last the longest on a single charge.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right iPhone depends on what matters most to you. If you want the best battery life, the iPhone 15 Plus is the top choice. However, if you prefer cutting-edge technology and can manage with slightly less battery life, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is an excellent option. Older models like the iPhone 13 and 14 still provide good value and performance, especially if you’re looking to save money.
Understanding these real-world battery life differences can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your iPhone will meet your daily needs.
Design & Build Quality
- iPhone SE: Outdated design with a physical SIM tray and Lightning port. Lower IP67 water resistance.
- iPhone 13, 14, 15 Series: Aluminum frame with glass back; iPhone 15 series uses color-infused glass. iPhone 15 series uses USB-C for charging. Ceramic Shield glass on all except SE.
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max: Titanium frame, which is tougher and lighter. Improved build quality with less weight compared to previous Pro Max models.
Size & Weight
- iPhone SE: Smallest and lightest, 4.7-inch display.
- iPhone 13, 14, 15: 6.1-inch display, with iPhone 15 being slightly taller.
- iPhone 14 Plus, 15 Plus, 15 Pro Max: 6.7-inch display. iPhone 15 Pro Max is the lightest Pro Max model in recent years.
Displays
- iPhone SE: LCD with lower resolution and brightness.
- iPhone 13, 14, 15: Super Retina XDR OLED displays. iPhone 15 series offers higher peak brightness (up to 2,000 nits outdoors).
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max: 120Hz ProMotion display with always-on feature and StandBy mode for additional functionality.
Dynamic Island & Refresh Rate
- iPhone 14 Pro & Pro Max: Dynamic Island previously exclusive to Pro models.
- iPhone 15 Series: Dynamic Island now included in all models. Only Pro models have 120Hz refresh rate.
Cameras
- iPhone SE: Single 12 MP rear camera, basic features.
- iPhone 13, 14: Dual 12 MP rear cameras. Improved photo quality on iPhone 14 with Photonic Engine and Action mode.
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus: 48 MP main camera, improved photo quality, and additional zoom capabilities.
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max: Triple camera setup with advanced features like ProRAW, macro photography, and improved telephoto zoom (up to 25x on Pro Max).
Battery Life
- iPhone SE: Shortest battery life.
- iPhone 13, 14: Moderate battery life.
- iPhone 15 Plus, 15 Pro Max: Best battery life, with 15 Plus often outperforming the Pro Max in real-world usage.
Performance
- iPhone SE, 13, 14: Similar performance with A15 Bionic chip (SE has less RAM).
- iPhone 15, 15 Plus: A16 Bionic chip, noticeable performance improvement but not essential for average users.
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max: A17 Pro chip with enhanced performance for demanding tasks and gaming.
Connectivity
- iPhone SE: Limited to sub-6GHz 5G and older Bluetooth 5.0.
- iPhone 13, 14: Bluetooth 5.0.
- iPhone 15 Series: Bluetooth 5.3, millimeter-wave 5G, improved Ultra-Wideband chip, and USB-C. Pro models also feature Wi-Fi 6E and dual-frequency GPS.
Pricing
- iPhone SE: Starts at $429.
- iPhone 13: Starts at $599.
- iPhone 14 & 14 Plus: Start at $699 and $799 respectively.
- iPhone 15 & 15 Plus: Start at $829 and $929 respectively.
- iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max: Start at $999 and $1099 respectively, with Pro Max having higher base storage.
Recommendations
- Best for Battery Life: iPhone 14 Plus or 15 Plus.
- Best for Camera Quality: iPhone 15 Pro Max.
- Best Value: iPhone 15.
- Best Budget Option: iPhone 13 over iPhone SE.
For more detailed insights on iPhone models and their performance, check out Apple’s official website.